Ampersand: a stylized, contractual form of the Latin word "et". Many people incorrectly substitute this symbol for the English word and. Although the Latin word "et" does mean "and", it is improper to substitute "&" for "and". Bad, bad grammar.

a short ignoramus of a wrestler with little green electronic eyes, boxing gloves for hands, and is such an absorbing form of entertainment that you'ld rather starve to death than leave the computer before you finish reading his e-mail